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In the arena of materials that have redefined our daily lives, Kevlar reigns supreme. At VEST PARIS, we believe we have a certain legitimacy to discuss this subject because we have been using it every day for 10 years in the V007 bulletproof vest.
Kevlar's strength, lightness and versatility have made it an ally of choice in fields as varied as aerospace, security and, more recently, fashion.
In this article, you'll learn everything about this material, its history, its virtues, its applications, and even its successors. Welcome to the Kevlar revolution, an adventure that began exactly 60 years ago.
Stephanie Kwolek's Chance Discovery
The Kevlar odyssey began in 1965 in the laboratories of DuPont, a scientific company founded in 1802 in the United States. Chemist Stephanie Kwolek, searching for more efficient synthetic fibers, came across a polymer solution with unexpected properties.
Unlike conventional polymers, this solution was cloudy and milky. Whether through intuition or genius, Kwolek insisted that his colleague Charles Ganochot spin it. The result was a yellow fiber, five times stronger than steel of equal weight. Kevlar was born and would revolutionize entire industries.
Why this name? We've searched for the meaning of the word Kevlar, but there isn't one. Kevlar is nothing more than a trademark registered by the DuPont company.
Kevlar, child of petrochemicals
If you are a layman, we will try to simplify the scientific explanation of Kevlar, which has its origins in petrochemicals, of which DuPont was a pioneer in the 19th century.
Brace yourself, this is the most complicated part of the article: Kevlar comes from the aramid family, synthetic polymers whose monomers are linked by amide bonds. Not simple, is it?!
These aramids are obtained from aromatic compounds, themselves derived from petroleum. In short, petroleum is the raw material from which the molecules are synthesized which, once polymerized, give rise to aramid, and by extension, to Kevlar.
If there is one thing to remember from this whole explanation, it is the close relationship between oil, aramid and Kevlar.
The virtues of Kevlar
Kevlar owes its exceptional properties to its molecular structure. The polymer chains that compose it are aligned parallel, which gives the material exceptional tensile strength. In addition, Kevlar is lightweight, heat-resistant, and resistant to chemicals. Its applications are numerous:
Safety: bulletproof vests, helmets, protective equipment.
Industry: tire reinforcements, aeronautical components, cables.
Sports and leisure: climbing ropes, boat sails, protective equipment for motorcyclists.
Fashion: protective clothing, jackets, jeans.
We won't delve into each of these areas because the list of everyday applications is endless. Let's focus on one area in particular: ballistics and other projectiles, a subject we're very familiar with at VEST PARIS.
Kevlar, the star material against projectiles
It's a reflex, when we talk about bulletproof we immediately think of Kevlar (even if it's not the only technology used against bullets). In any case, this is the first question our customers ask when they inquire about the V007 bulletproof vest.
As mentioned above, Kevlar's ability to absorb and disperse the energy of a projectile makes it a valuable ally for protection against ballistic threats.
But in addition to bulletproof vests, Kevlar is used in the design of ballistic helmets, providing increased protection against shrapnel and projectiles. It is also used in the manufacture of armor for military and civilian vehicles, enhancing the protection of occupants against firearms fire.
In the aerospace industry, Kevlar is also used to reinforce the structures of airplanes and helicopters, protecting them against debris impacts and possible gunfire.
Finally, it is used in the design of ballistic shields, providing mobile protection to law enforcement and intervention units.
How does Kevlar protect against bullets?
A little education at this point in the explanations would be welcome. The ballistic protection offered by Kevlar is based on its ability to absorb and dissipate the kinetic energy of a projectile.
Simply put, when a bullet hits a Kevlar structure, the kinetic energy of the projectile is transferred to the fibers of the material. These fibers, which have exceptional tensile strength, stretch and deform, spreading the impact energy over a wider area.
This is precisely what happens when a bullet hits a V007 vest. It is made up of 26 juxtaposed sheets that will absorb this energy and save your life.
This energy dissipation process takes place in 4 stages:
1- Initial absorption: The first layers of Kevlar absorb the initial impact, slowing the bullet down.
2- Deformation and stretching: Kevlar fibers stretch and deform, converting kinetic energy into strain energy.
3- Energy dissipation: Energy is distributed over a wide area of the material, reducing concentrated impact force.
4- Projectile stoppage: The energy is finally dissipated, stopping the bullet's progress.
But Kevlar's effectiveness in ballistic protection depends on several factors, including:
Number of layers: The more layers of Kevlar there are, the more effective the protection. The V007 model has 26.
Weave: The type of weave of Kevlar fibers influences its ability to absorb energy.
Projectile caliber: Higher caliber projectiles generate more kinetic energy, requiring thicker Kevlar structures.
VEST PARIS and its V007 bulletproof jacket
VEST PARIS has transcended the traditional use of Kevlar by elegantly integrating it into its V007 model.
The V007 bulletproof model, the brand's flagship piece, embodies the ultimate fusion of style and your protection. This unique sleeveless down jacket is equipped with level IIIA bulletproof protection. Fully certified, supplied by Protecop. The on-board ballistics are a hybrid made of both Kevlar and Spectra from the American manufacturer Honeywell.
The V007 jacket is designed to be worn every day like a classic jacket. Comfortable, lightweight, and understated, it's more practical, stylish, and discreet than a bulletproof vest.
The future of Kevlar, the successors
While Kevlar has revolutionized many sectors, the search for even more efficient materials continues.
Scientists are exploring new synthetic fibers, such as M5, which promises even greater strength. At the same time, work is being carried out on carbon nanotubes, whose exceptional mechanical properties could open up new perspectives.